Our services

Sleep Disorders Unit

Overview

The Sleep Disorders Unit at Western Private Hospital offers comprehensive overnight studies to observe and diagnose a wide range of sleep disorders, namely Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) which is the main cause of daytime somnolence, sleep disturbance and cardiovascular complications in patients. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy initiation and education sessions for patients diagnosed with OSA are additional services that are provided to patients. The unit is equipped with state of art computerised monitoring and therapeutical equipment.

What is a Sleep Study?

An overnight sleep study or Polysomnogram involves the monitoring of a patient’s sleep, breathing and movement patterns throughout the night. It is a non-invasive procedure that causes no pain or discomfort to the patient. Prior to going to sleep, various sensors and electrodes are placed on various parts of the body that are kept in place with tapes and paste. Video monitoring of the patient also takes place. Trained Sleep technologists prepare and monitor the patients during the sleep study.

Parameter’s that are monitored include:

Brain wave activity

Eye movement activity

Muscle tone

Respiration

Heart Rate

Blood oxygen levels

All patients undergoing a sleep study are accommodated in a private room.

Sleep Study (Overnight) Appointments

To access this service, a referral is required from your General Practitioner or Specialist to a Respiratory and Sleep Physician affiliated with the Western Private Hospital.

For bookings please call (03) 9318 3177 during business hours.

Admission

You are required to arrive at the hospital between 7-8pm. This allows enough time for your orientation to the ward and completion of paperwork. Our expert staff will explain the study procedure and answer any questions you might have.

All sleep studies are conducted in a private room with ensuite facilities. On occasions people undergoing sleep studies may find it more difficult to fall asleep due to the different environment.

During the study, please let our staff know if there is anything you require.

The study will finish at approximately 6-6.30am the following morning. Discharge time is 7.00am. You may be discharged earlier if this is more convenient, please do not hesitate to let our staff know.

What to bring

Sleep Attire

Medications

Reading material

Toiletries

Your own pillow/doona if desired

For CPAP patients only: Please bring your current mask and headgear to your sleep study, if you have used CPAP before.

Parking

Sleep study patients may park in the car park to the rear of Western Private Hospital. The entrance to this area is located on Marion Street. Parking conditions apply.

Meals

Patients are asked to have their evening meal before their sleep study appointment. Light snacks and drinks will be provided in the evening. A breakfast will be provided in the morning before discharge.

Cancellations

Should you need to cancel or reschedule your sleep study appointment, please contact the Sleep Unit Booking Office on 9318 3177 at least 48 hours prior to your appointment date. Failure to do so will incur a $50 administration fee.

Follow Up Appointments

Patient should contact their referring Physician to make a follow up appointment for the results of the sleep study.

Respiratory & Sleep Physicians

For more information about all our visiting specialists please see the Specialist List provided.

What is a Portable Sleep Study?

An overnight sleep study or Polysomnogram involves the monitoring of a patient’s sleep, breathing and movement patterns throughout the night. It is a non-invasive procedure that causes no pain or discomfort to the patient. With the use of a small portable recording unit, the sleep study can be conducted in your own home. You will be prepared for the test in the evening at the Western Private Hospital Sleep Disorders Unit. A sleep technologist will place sensors on your head, chest stomach and fingers that are kept in place with tapes and paste. The sensors will then be connected to a small portable recording unit, which is fastened to your torso. Once the sensors are in place and the recording unit is checked, you are free to return home. The preparation procedure will take no longer than one hour.

The technologist will also instruct you on how to carefully remove the sensors in the morning. Please return the recording unit and sensors, in the carry case provided, to WPH Reception by 5pm the following day.

Sleep Study (Portable) Appointments

To access this service, a referral is required from your General Practitioner or Specialist to a Respiratory and Sleep Physician affiliated with the Western Private Hospital.

For bookings please call (03) 9318 3177 during business hours.

Payment – Portable Sleep Studies

A $450 fee applies and covers the hospital and doctors fee for this study. A receipt will be issued and you can claim a component from Medicare.

Additionally, a security bond of $450.00 is required upon collection of the equipment. This will be released upon the safe return of the equipment.

Follow Up Appointments

Patient should contact their referring Physician to make a follow up appointment for the results of the sleep study.

Respiratory Specialists & Sleep Physicians

For more information about all our visiting specialists please see the Specialist List provided.